Go Wild:
Rock Climbing in
Mountaineer Country, WV
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Ready to reach new heights? Mountaineer Country is home to some of West Virginia’s hidden gems for rock climbing and bouldering.
Coopers Rock State Forest
Perched on the stunning Cheat River Gorge, Coopers Rock State Forest is a climber’s paradise, offering year-round access to over a hundred bouldering problems and sandstone cliffs. The Forest is also perfect for extending your adventure with camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
Climbing Routes:
From beginner to advanced, Coopers Rock has routes that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- Organic Matter (5.5 YDS): Perfect for beginners, this 35-foot route features helpful face holds and pockets. A great intro to trad climbing.
- Roof Traverse (5.5 YDS): A horizontal crack makes this climb fun—just watch your head!
- Mister Clean (5.7 YDS): This 25-foot crack climb might look easy, but don’t be fooled—it’ll put your finger-sized cams to good use.
- Squirrel Soup (5.7 YDS): Test your skills on a juggy and slabby arete.
- Copenhagen (5.9 YDS): Pocket and crimpy face holds make this a rewarding challenge.
- No Bolts Necessary (5.11a YDS): An easy start leads into a real challenge—don’t forget those cams!
- Bat Eliminate (5.11a YDS): The climb gets intense at the top when you hit a sharp diagonal cliff face. Hand cams are a must!
- Upchouca (5.12a YDS): Push your limits with crimping and tweaking through the first 15 feet, and then take on the full 25-foot challenge.
Bouldering:
Coopers Rock State Forest is also a top bouldering destination on the East Coast. Follow almost any hiking trail, and you’re bound to find a boulder just waiting to be conquered.
Looking to explore even more routes? Plan your climb with a full map of recommended climbs and boulder problems here: Coopers Rock State Forest
Guided Climbs
If you’re new to climbing or just looking for a family-friendly adventure, Cheat River Outfitters offers guided excursions at Coopers Rock. They’ll provide the gear, coaching, and an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area
Right across the Cheat River Gorge from Coopers Rock State Forest lies Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area. Tucked away just outside Morgantown, this area is a lesser-known spot, offering sandstone climbing with a mix of top rope, trad, and sport routes, plus over 90 bouldering problems to explore.
Recommended Climbs:
- Jacob’s Ladder (5.7 YDS): A 35-foot sport climb with grainy rock. Bring bolts and anchors!
- Keith’s Arete (5.7 YDS): Climb through baseball-sized pockets on this fun sport route.
- What Thu? (5.8 YDS): This sport route takes you over a ledge—bolts and cold shuts recommended.
- Handcrack (5.9 YDS): A classic trad climb featuring a hand crack that takes you 35 feet up.
- Table Scraps (5.10b YDS): Prepare for a technical challenge with this sport climb.
- Wandering Crack (5.10b/c YDS): Follow the iconic serpentine crack for a rewarding top rope climb.
- Free Bolt Rentals (5.11+ YDS): This classic 50-foot sport climb offers crimps, edges, and a tricky overhanging ledge at the top.
For a complete list of climbing areas and bouldering problems at Snake Hill, check out the maps here: Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area
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Gear Up Locally
Find Local Retailer Locations and Directions Below
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Pathfinder of WV: Downtown Morgantown’s go-to shop for chalk, crash pads, ropes, and more. Check them out online for gear and advice!
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Sportsman’s Warehouse: Conveniently located off I-79 on Gateway Drive, offering a variety of outdoor adventure equipment.
Mountaineer Country is waiting for you to conquer its cliffs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s an adventure here with your name on it!
Explore Some of Mountaineer Country's Wilder Options
Mountain Biking
Whether you prefer trails made of concrete or dirt, there are hundreds of miles open for adventure in Mountaineer Country with routes for every skill level.
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
Mountaineer Country, WV, is a year-round whitewater destination for paddlers worldwide. With so many unique and interesting access points, your stories of whitewater glory will only get better.
Bouldering and Rock Climbing
Coopers Rock State Forest has been named one of the best bouldering sites in the eastern United States thanks to the high-quality bouldering available throughout the forest.
Gravel Routes
Discover 1,000+ miles of scenic gravel routes that offer a mix of pavement and off-road adventures. Plan your ride with GPS-ready routes and explore Mountaineer Country on two wheels!
Zip Lining
Experience a high-flying adventure that propels you across the forest canopy near Coopers Rock State Forest just outside Morgantown, WV.
Plan YOUR NEXT MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY VISIT
Are you ready for a WILD! adventure? Plan your trip to North Central West Virginia, where fun and educational activities await visitors of all ages. Enjoy local parks and playgrounds or dive into indoor attractions. Build your own itinerary, use one of our special interest day trips, or take a check-in challenge. You can also share your itinerary with friends. Save money during your visit with valuable discount coupons built into the app.
Plan your trip to Mountaineer Country today using the VMCCVB Trip Planner App, available for free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Browse the area’s local hotels, gear shops, restaurants and scenic overlooks to create your perfect wilderness excursion.
And because we all know that every good trip has a story, we invite you to share your outdoor adventure story with us! Share pictures from your Mountaineer Country adventure with us by using #VisitMountaineerCountry and #MountaineerCountryYes on your social media posts!
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